The 'figure' under the tree had turned into the 'figures'.
Behind the piano, a boy around the age of fourteen sat. His slender fingers danced across the keys producing intoxicating sounds with every move. His soft brown hair gentle swayed with the breezes, and under his long lashes, a pair of brown eyes sparkled with an energetic light.
Those lively eyes ruined the picture of calmness and made way for the vibrant atmosphere exuding from the boy. Just like in her memories her brother gave off a warm aura that drew people towards him.
But what was wrong with this picture?
It wasn't a picture of one but two. Just as they arrived before the piano a figure slowly stepped out from behind the tree.
It was Anderson!
He stood beside Nicole's brother flashing his signature smile.
Nicole was dumbfounded and couldn't react for a while, seeing her stunned expression Anderson was amused and couldn't help but walk up to her and rub her head warmly.
"Surprised?" he whispered teasingly, mischievousness obvious in his smirk but his eyes only contained warmth in their depth
Nicole quickly regained her senses and took a small step back.
"Big Brother? What are you doing here?"
Anderson noticed her slight step but he didn't react, he just naturally let his hand fall to his side before replying.
"You didn't seem so well during the audition so I came to check on you."
"What about the audition?"
Anderson slightly raised his eyebrow. Nicole was acting weirdly today, normally she would be extremely excited at the mere mention of his name but now she seemed to be avoiding him she even questioned him!
A feeling of discomfort momentarily sprouted but he swiftly dismissed it.
Still, he did not like the way she was acting now causing the warmth in his eyes to dim slightly.
He was just about to reply when...
"Big Brother this, Big brother that, if I didn't know any better I would think that he was your actual big brother instead of me!" the sudden exclamation shocked Nicole and Anderson causing them to turn towards its source.
Who knows when, but her brother had sneaked up on the two of them and was up to his old antics.
Nicole smiled, her brother was still the same.
"Big brother don't be like that~ You know you're the best big brother in my heart" Nicole giggled as she humored him. She really missed her silly interactions with her brother.
"Hmm ~ That's much better. So you do have eyes after all, when was there ever any room for doubt?"
"Of course brother is definitely the best big brother in the world!" Nicole giggled again.
As they had this interaction she noticed Anderson's expression stiffen a little before returning to normal. She snorted in her head, 'So much pride humph! Can't even take a little comparison.'
This didn't escape her brother's eyes either but, a little childishness from his junior he could accept, provided he is sincere towards his sister else...
As he was mulling over his thoughts a sound startled him out of his revere and caused shivers to run down his spine.
"Austin Reyna" a low voice echoed about causing everyone to turn towards its source.
A man with an imposing manner appeared in their view. His sleek black hair was combed back, a simple white dress shirt and black trouser adorned his figure casually. He had a calm but slightly rigid style but his eyes were filled with warmth as he gazed at his family.
That's right this was their father Philip Reyna.
He soon reached the group and swooped Emilia into his arms before lightly landing a kiss on her head. He then gazed warmly at his daughters, "Well done on your auditions today..." he paused before continuing "it was unexpected." As he said this his gaze lingered on Nicole and gave her a meaningful smile.
Nicole gave a bitter smile. The Reyna rules were very strict on this; nothing could be hidden from the family head to prevent internal problems.
Even as a top class family the Reyna's have never had internal problems and the few that existed had been quickly snuffed out due to this rule.
So her sudden transformation or talent needs a logical explanation or her father would be forced to put her under surveillance. However, this didn't bother Nicole she already had an excuse planned. Still, she didn't like the idea of deceiving her parents.
After giving Nicole that smile he turned his attention back to his son who was currently trying to sneak away.
But what he didn't notice was the jealousy that appeared in Veronica's eyes when he paid special attention to Nicole. Their mother on the other hand saw it and she furrowed her brows but said nothing.
Meanwhile, Philip lightly snorted at his fleeing son. As if struck by lightning Austin straightened up and run before his father.
"Father" he called out respectfully painting the very picture of a filial and obedient son.
Their father raised an eyebrow, if he didn't know his son so well already he might have been fooled by his act but unfortunately for Austin, his act could only fool those who didn't know him.
Austin knew from his father's face that he was out of luck so he braced himself for what was to come.
Thx for reading!!!
And a special thx to all those who voted and commented! I really appreciate the support XD